Game recognizes game; NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has recognized seven times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi as “the best.”
The 35-year-old Argentinian is arguably one of the greatest to ever grace the soccer pitch. He is a club legend at Barcelona, where he has won ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, and four UEFA Champions League trophies. Most recently, the Argentinian won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with his nation as the team captain. He also won the Golden Ball in that tournament.
Messi has also won the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title with his current team, Paris Saint-Germain, and is currently one draw away from repeating in the 2022-23 season.
Shaq O’Neal thinks highly of Lionel Messi
In an interview with reporter Milad Soleimani, who works for Miami TV, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, also known as the “Big Shaq,” expressed his admiration for the Argentinian superstar.
“I would like to tell you that I love you, brother. You are the best, and it will be a pleasure to get to know you. Te amo” said the 51-year-old NBA icon.
Shaquille O'Neal sends a message to Lionel Messi: "I love you brother, you are the best. Look forward to meeting you, brother. Te amo." pic.twitter.com/8uztZFzHQC
— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) May 25, 2023
Shaq also considers Messi the greatest ever. Speaking on an earlier occasion about Messi finally lifting the World Cup trophy, Shaq said: “I’m happy for Messi, anytime you are anointed as the greatest ever, and you can end your book like that. Michael Jordan ended his book like that.”
This touching note from a basketball legend to a soccer genius exemplifies the admiration and awe that athletes from different sports can feel for one another.
Messi’s stats in the 2022-23 season
After Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain last season, he struggled to find his footing in Paris. This season, however, he has been exceptional.
So far, he has scored 15 goals and provided 16 assists in Ligue 1. In addition to that, he has four goals and four assists in the Champions League, as well as one goal in the Trophee des Champions. That brings his tally up to 20 goals and 20 assists for PSG across all competitions.
Lionel Messi is currently eyeing his compatriot Angel Di Maria’s record of 18 assists in one Ligue 1 season. With 2 games remaining to play, it is well within the reach of the superstar.
